Sports

‘Super Falcons Can Defend AWC Title’

Published

13 years ago

August 13, 2012

The Director, Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football
Association (NFA), Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme said that Nigeria’s Super Falcons could
retain the African Women Championship (AWC) trophy.

He said in an interview with newsmen in Abuja that in spite
of the teams the Falcons were drawn with, as defending champions, the team
would emerge victorious.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons are drawn in Group B of the 2012 AWC
with Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia and Cameroon.

The competition is scheduled to hold in Equatorial Guinea
from October 28 to November 11.

Ikpeme said that though sections of the public had expressed
anxieties over the perceived strength of some of the teams the Falcons would be
up against, his optimism was borne out of the resilience exhibited by the
coaching crew and the team.

“ I don’t share that opinion. The Super Falcons are a good
side; the fact that they’ve been grouped with Cameroon and Cote‘d voire does
not mean that we should be having sleepless nights.

“They’ve been doing well; the coach has started well, he has
brought in new fresh legs – those of them that have played before at that
level, whom he thinks are still good.

“The fact that Super Falcons were eliminated by Cameroon in
the last 2012 Olympics qualifier does not mean that we should write them off.

“The truth also is that we are developing in Africa with
regard to women football; so there are no small teams these days.

“Of course the coaching crew is quite conscious of this fact
unlike before where you see a wide goal margin.’’

The Director said the team’s coach, Kadiri Ikhana had made
submissions to the NFA on the need to put together a more formidable women’s squad.

He said: “It’s even good that the coach has submitted his
programme so that the technical committee would look into it and give its
approval so that we can start as early as possible.’’

He said the federation would give the team all the necessary
support to enable them to retain the trophy.

Ikpeme also said that the football association was making
plans to enhance players’ remuneration package, saying it had been considered
but would be implemented when the funds were available.

“These issues have already been discussed; it’s contingent
on the availability of funds.

“You don’t just promise because it’s not good for you to
promise only for you to renege.

“In principle I can say that the NFA has accepted the fact
that the remuneration in fact across all the national teams should be improved.

“And at the appropriate time it would be implemented, the
Super Falcons inclusive.’’

Nigeria has won the AWC eight times, with victories on home
soil in 1998, 2002 and 2006, and in South Africa in 2000, 2004 and 2010.

Sports

FOOTBALL FANS FIESTA IN PH IS TO PROMOTE PEACE, UNITY – Oputa

Published

6 hours ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

Port Harcourt the capital city of Rivers State will be at the centre stage in Nigeria as Port Harcourt Arsenal Community will hold her maiden edition of Football Fans Fiesta (FFF).

The Fiesta scheduled to hold on the 13th December, 2025, at Eddiz wine bar GRA, promises to be all football fans carnival in the State , as there will be a lot of fanfares.

The Coordinator of Port Harcourt Arsenal Community (PHAC), Ugochukwu Oputa has said that the forthcoming Football Fans Fiesta was basically to promote peace, unity and love among football fans in irrespective of the cub.

He stated that sports is a catalyst to bring peace, love and Unity in any given society, hence the occasion was initiated.

Oputa said this in an interview with sports journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday, saying that arrangements are on top gear for a successful programme.

” This event is for all football fans irrespective of your club. It is basically to promote peace, love and Unity among fans.

“It is like stating the obvious that football is the catalyst of peace and unity in the world. So the Port Harcourt Arsenal Community want to use this avenue to bring people together and foster friendship.

“There is no gate fee, but it is expected to put on jersey of your club as to make the event look unique” Oputa said.

The Coordinator used the forum to advice football fans in the world to love one another, and equally urged fans that will attend the occasion to be of good conduct and behaviour.

Tonye Orabere

Sports

Obagi Emerges OML 58 Football Cup Champions

Published

13 hours ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The annual NNPC/TEPNG OML58 host communities cup 2025 edition draw its curtains closed last Saturday, with Obagi Community defeated hard fighting Akabta community 1-0, to lift the trophy.

The final which was held at Obite Civic Centre (field) saw Chiefs, community leaders, youths, including the Total Energies JV Asset Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Olivier Cassasoles and people from all works of life in attendance.

Speaking at the event Mr. Cassasoles revealed that three best players in previous tournaments have been sponsored into a football academy within Nigeria.

He stated that all participants are winners, as he reiterated that the tournament is aimed at promoting peace, cooperation among host communities.

He expressed gratitude for the peaceful organisation and conduct of both officials and players during the final of NNPC/TEPNG OML58 host communities cup for 2025.

On his part the Chairman of the Central Organising Committee(COC), Mr. Saheed Ogunsanya said Ubeta and Ubio will not be participating in the next edition as they violated rules of the tournament.

Ogunsanya praised all the teams for their sportsmanship, stressing that this year edition was a success hence it maintained age grade of under 18 years.

He disclosed that two players have been picked from the tournament and they will be sent to football academy, while underscoring importance of the event to sports and youth development in the host communities.

This is the first time Obagi Community emerged champions of the competition since its commencement 22 years, as 18 communities participated in tis years edition.

At the end of the competition Obinna Godstime, emerged the highest scorer with 11 goals and Most Valuable Player( MVP) of the tournament.

while Michael Charles, from Obobru community became best goalkeeper of the tournament

Sports

Forest Embarrass Liverpool At Anfield

Published

2 weeks ago

November 24, 2025

The Tide

Liverpool’s season of abject misery worsened as they were beaten with embarrassing ease by a hugely impressive Nottingham Forest at Anfield.

Arne Slot’s Premier League champions were looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat at Manchester City, but instead ran into a Forest side revitalised under new manager Sean Dyche and looking back to their best.

Liverpool head coach Slot gave £125m British record signing Alexander Isak a start, but he was totally anonymous once more and only lasted 67 minutes.

Forest went ahead after 33 minutes when defender Murillo shot powerfully past fit-again Liverpool keeper Alisson to subdue an already anxious Anfield.

Igor Jesus had a second ruled out for handball, but Forest doubled their advantage 39 seconds after the break when former Liverpool defender Neco Williams set up Nicola Savona for a crisp finish in front of The Kop.

Liverpool could barely raise a response in a desperate display, Forest increasing their lead 12 minutes from time when Morgan Gibbs-White scored after Alisson saved from Omari Hutchinson.

It means Liverpool, who lie 11th before Saturday’s late fixture, have now lost six of their past seven Premier League games as Slot’s near £450m summer spending spree comes under further scrutiny.

Forest, meanwhile, are surging away from the relegation zone and are up to 16th.